EU Compound Feed Production Outlook Mixed, FEFAC Reports
Source: DairyNews.today
The European Union's compound feed production forecast for 2024 presents a mixed outlook, according to the latest report from the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC). The forecast highlights diverse trends across various livestock sectors, shaped by economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, environmental factors, and animal health challenges.
FEFAC's data shows that total industrial compound feed production in the EU27 is expected to increase slightly by 0.5% in 2024, reaching 147 million tonnes. The poultry feed sector is forecast to grow moderately by 1.3%, driven by a recovery in poultry production in key member states such as France, Spain, and Portugal. This follows a difficult 2023, marked by a rebound from the impact of Avian Influenza. However, production in Hungary and Italy remains under pressure due to ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks.
The pig feed sector faces continued challenges but is showing signs of stabilization. Modest recovery is anticipated in countries like Ireland (+3%), Spain (+5%), and Poland (+1.9%). However, the overall decline in pig populations across the EU27, compounded by economic pressures and the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF), continues to weigh on the sector. Additionally, countries such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are facing increasing regulatory pressure to reduce farm emissions, which could further impact livestock production.
Meanwhile, EU cattle feed production is expected to remain stable, with slight regional variations influenced by the availability of roughage and local conditions. The ongoing interplay of these factors is expected to influence the feed production landscape across the EU in 2024.
The pig feed sector faces continued challenges but is showing signs of stabilization. Modest recovery is anticipated in countries like Ireland (+3%), Spain (+5%), and Poland (+1.9%). However, the overall decline in pig populations across the EU27, compounded by economic pressures and the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF), continues to weigh on the sector. Additionally, countries such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are facing increasing regulatory pressure to reduce farm emissions, which could further impact livestock production.
Meanwhile, EU cattle feed production is expected to remain stable, with slight regional variations influenced by the availability of roughage and local conditions. The ongoing interplay of these factors is expected to influence the feed production landscape across the EU in 2024.
